Endocrine System Diseases: Types, Causes, and Symptoms

3.28.2025 0 comments

Author: Trisha Houghton, CNS, ASIST

The endocrine system is one of our most important internal systems.

It plays a role in so many body processes due to its production and release of hormones – the chemical messengers that carry signals from your brain throughout your body to stimulate the function of organs, skin, tissues, and glands.

Hormones are crucial for your body functions and play a critical role in your health.

But often the glands responsible for producing hormones malfunction or slow down, or hormones are produced in excess. When this happens, the effects can be widespread and potentially long-lasting. These are called endocrine diseases or endocrine disorders.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at a few of the more common disorders of the endocrine system, including what causes them and what symptoms they prevent. We’ll take a deep dive into their effects on your body so you can understand how endocrine diseases and disorders can affect every aspect of your health.

But at the end, we’ll take some time to examine prevention and risk reduction strategies to help you keep your endocrine system healthy and functioning optimally. Endocrine diseases are common, but they don’t have to affect or impair your life!

Types of Endocrine System Diseases

Endocrine system diseases happen when hormone levels get too high or too low. These shifts can affect everything from your energy and mood to growth and metabolism.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is the most common endocrine system disorder. It’s estimated to affect over 537 million people [1] around the world.

Diabetes can be categorized in two types:

• Type 1 Diabetes isan autoimmune condition in which your own immune system attacks insulin-producing cells, destroying them and thereby reducing the amount of insulin your pancreas produces to regulate blood glucose levels. Typically, Type 1 Diabetes will develop early and remain a persistent problem throughout your life.
• Type 2 Diabetes isa metabolic disorder in which your body develops a resistance to insulin’s glucose-lowering effects, thereby rendering it less effective at keeping blood sugar levels in check. Type 2 Diabetes is often developed later in life, often as a result of excess weight gain or obesity. It can be both managed and put into remission (returning blood sugar levels to normal).

Some of the most common symptoms of diabetes, both Types 1 and 2, include excessive thirst, excessive hunger, fatigue, frequent urination, and blurred vision. However, some people experience numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, dry skin, and susceptibility to infection.

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid disorders occur when the thyroid gland, which produces thyroid hormones, malfunctions.

There are two thyroid disease types:

• Hyperthyroidism is when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include faster-than-usual heart rate, unexplained weight loss, sleeping troubles, anxiety or irritability, and irregular menstrual cycles. It may be caused by excessive iodine intake, Graves’ disease, nodules on your thyroid gland, and thyroiditis (swelling of the thyroid gland).
  

• Hypothyroidism is when your thyroid gland cannot produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include slower-than-usual heart rate, unexplained weight gain, sensitivity to cold, depression and low mood, fatigue, and heavy menstrual periods. It may be caused by Hashimoto’s disease, iodine deficiency, genetic problems (some people are born with an underactive or even missing thyroid), or thyroiditis.

With the right care, most thyroid disorders can be managed effectively. Regular checkups and simple blood tests can help catch problems early and keep your hormones in balance.

Cushing’s Syndrome

Cushing’s syndrome is the hormonal disorder that causes excessive production of cortisol, the "stress hormone" that triggers the body’s fight or flight response.

Cushing’s syndrome may also be caused by synthetic hormone medications, long-term steroid use, or tumors on the adrenal glands.

Symptoms include:

• Weight gain
• Obesity in the upper body
• Thin arms and legs
• High blood sugar
• High blood pressure
• Muscle weakness
• Severe fatigue
• Tendency to bruise easily

Cushing’s syndrome can take a serious toll on your body, but with the right treatment, symptoms often improve over time. Catching it early makes a big difference, so it’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice any lasting changes.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (also called PCOS) is a hormonal condition which affects the ovaries, causing health issues in reproductive-aged women.

PCOS will usually manifest in a number of ways:

• Enlarged ovaries with multiple follicles (which may appear as cysts on an ultrasound) growing one or both ovaries;
• High levels of androgens (male sex hormones), typically resulting in excess facial or body hair;
• Irregular periods, a sign of abnormal ovulation.

Symptoms are also likely to include obesity, weight gain or weight loss difficulties, severe acne, infertility, oily or dark skin patches, and pain during menstruation.

PCOS is often accompanied by, caused by, or the cause of other health problems, including:

• Sleep apnea
• Anxiety
• Depression
• High LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Insulin resistance

PCOS affects more than just reproductive health—it can impact your mood, metabolism, and long-term wellness. Getting the right diagnosis and support can make a big difference in managing symptoms and protecting your overall health.

Growth Disorders

Growth disorders are conditions in which the pituitary gland produces insufficient or excessive amounts of human growth hormone.

In conditions like acromegaly (also called "gigantism"), too much of this hormone is produced, leading to excessive growth. By contrast, growth hormone deficiency can lead to underdevelopment during childhood and/or adulthood, leading to stunted growth and lack of development of sexual characteristics.

Growth disorders may be caused by malfunction of the pituitary gland, often the result of tumors but also potentially caused by genetic factors.

Others

Beyond the more common conditions, several other endocrine disorders can disrupt hormone balance and affect overall health.

These include:

• Addison’s Disease – This rare condition occurs when the adrenal glands don’t make enough cortisol and aldosterone. It often causes fatigue, low blood pressure, and intense salt cravings.
• Hyperparathyroidism – When the parathyroid glands become overactive, calcium levels in the blood rise. Over time, this can lead to kidney stones, bone loss, and muscle weakness.
• Hypopituitarism – In this condition, the pituitary gland fails to produce one or more hormones. Depending on which hormones are affected, it can interfere with growth, reproduction, or metabolism.
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) – MEN is a group of inherited disorders that cause tumors to develop in more than one endocrine gland. These tumors may be benign or cancerous, but they often lead to overproduction of hormones.
• Pheochromocytoma – This rare adrenal tumor causes sudden bursts of hormones like adrenaline. It can trigger episodes of high blood pressure, heart palpitations, and severe headaches.
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) – CAH is a genetic disorder that affects how the adrenal glands produce cortisol. It can disrupt normal development and, in some cases, lead to ambiguous genitalia or early puberty.

Although these disorders are less common, they can be just as serious. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are key to managing symptoms and maintaining hormonal balance.

Causes of Endocrine System Diseases

Endocrine system diseases usually stem from problems within the glands themselves—such as damage, tumors, or genetic defects. In some cases, outside factors like medications or immune system attacks can also disrupt hormone production.

Below, we explain the most common reasons endocrine disorders develop.

Genetic and Hereditary Factors

One of the most common and prevalent causes behind endocrine illnesses are genetics.

A family history of endocrine disorders will increase your susceptibility to conditions that could lead to endocrine problems, such as Turner syndrome, Noonan syndrome, and Down syndrome.

Autoimmune Reactions

In certain cases, such as Type 1 Diabetes and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, it’s your own immune system that’s causing the problem.

Your immune system sees otherwise healthy tissue as a "threat" and attacks it, destroying the cells of important glands and affecting hormone production.

Lifestyle and Environmental Influences

Your diet, physical activity, and body composition all play a role in your endocrine health.

If you’re eating the wrong foods—not the foods your body needs to maintain muscle mass and produce hormones—your endocrine system is more likely to develop dysfunctions or operate at less than optimal capacity.

A lack of physical activity can cause weight gain, insulin resistance, metabolic disorders, and reduce the demand for hormones, leading to underactivity of your endocrine system.

Obesity can also slow down your endocrine system or make your body less receptive to hormones like insulin. It’s a very common factor behind Type 2 Diabetes and metabolic syndrome, but can be linked to other endocrine conditions.

Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors

Certain chemicals can interfere with your body’s natural hormone production, or be absorbed into your body and trick your body into thinking it’s producing enough hormones.

BPA, pesticides, and other pollutants can be "endocrine disruptors" that negatively impact your endocrine system and elevate your risk of endocrine problems.

Hormone Imbalances and Tumors

Tumors (benign or malignant) and cysts can form on the glands, tissues, and organs of your endocrine system and alter their function.

Some cancerous tumors may drastically increase hormone production, while others decrease it. This can lead to conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or hyperparathyroidism.

Other Factors

Chronic stress, infections, and certain medications can also contribute to higher risk of endocrine disorders.

They can all affect the organs, tissues, and glands responsible for producing hormones, either increasing or decreasing hormone production and elevating your risk of endocrine system dysfunction.

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Symptoms of Endocrine System Diseases

Symptoms of endocrine system diseases can vary widely depending on the gland affected. However, many involve changes in energy, mood, weight, or metabolism that signal something is off with hormone levels.

General Symptoms Across Endocrine Diseases

There are a few common indicators that will make it clear the health problems you’re experiencing are potentially due to an inability to produce or release hormones normally.

These include:

• Fatigue
• Unexplained weight gain or loss
• Mood swings
• An increase in depression, anxiety, or irritability
• Irregular heart rate (faster or slower than usual)
• Changes in your skin or hair

If you notice any of these—but especially a few of them at the same time—it’s a good idea to get tested for endocrine disorders.

Symptoms Specific to Each Type

For those who have noticed the above-mentioned symptoms but want to narrow down possible conditions more effectively, here are a few condition-specific symptoms to look out for:

• Diabetes is often characterized by excessive thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision.
• Hypothyroidism is often characterized by fatigue, cold intolerance, and weight gain.
• Hyperthyroidism is often characterized by anxiety, heat intolerance, and rapid heart rate.
• Cushing’s Syndrome is often characterized by weight gain, high blood pressure, and muscle weakness.
• PCOS is often characterized by irregular periods, hair growth, and acne.

It’s important that you pay attention to your symptoms in order to identify the problem as soon as possible.

Early intervention can prevent small endocrine dysfunctions from worsening or affecting the body. Left untreated, even minor problems can lead to widespread and potentially long-lasting complications.

Prevention and Risk Reduction Strategies

The good news is that many endocrine health problems can be managed, treated, prevented, and even cured.

While some conditions may require medication, a great many of them can be addressed with a few simple yet highly effective changes to your lifestyle and habits.

Lifestyle Modifications

The four most effective lifestyle modifications you can make for a healthier life and lower risk of endocrine disorders are:

• Eating right. Eat a plant-forward diet rich in nutrients and low in artificial ingredients, chemical sweeteners, and unhealthy fats. How you eat plays a crucial role in not only hormone production, but your energy production, blood sugar levels, and weight.
• Exercising daily. Even just half an hour a day can make a huge difference. Inactivity can lead to weight gain and obesity, as well as decreased hormone production. Moderate and vigorous exercise increases the production of crucial hormones and plays a significant role in maintaining good endocrine function.
• Managing your weight. Weight gain can lead to obesity, which contributes to prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, metabolic disorders, PCOS, and a number of other syndromes. Managing your weight through a healthy diet, moderate food intake, reduced alcohol consumption, and daily exercise is one of the simplest but most effective ways you can actively fight against endocrine conditions.

• Sleeping better. Sleep facilitates every bodily function, including hormone production. A lack of sleep can lead to metabolic conditions, insulin resistance, weight gain, and decrease endocrine function. Getting your full 6 to 8 hours of sleep every night will stimulate your endocrine system and maintain good hormone health.

Incorporate these lifestyle changes starting today, and you’ll have a far better chance of avoiding or preventing endocrine conditions as you age.

Avoiding Endocrine Disruptors

There are a number of endocrine disruptors that you can actively—and easily—avoid:

• Pesticides, found in commercially grown produce. Avoid them by eating more organic and farm-grown produce.
• BPA, found in plastic products and canned goods. Avoid them by switching your plastic bottles and containers to glass, and by switching from canned foods to only eating what you cook from raw ingredients.
• Fragrances and chemicals found in perfumes, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics. Avoid them by using natural, fragrance-free, and chemical-free alternatives.
• Environmental hazards, found in vehicle exhaust, smog, factory pollution, and contaminated water. These may be harder to avoid, but it’s still worth making the effort in whatever way you can!

Small changes in daily habits can go a long way in reducing your exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals. The more you limit contact with these substances, the better you protect your endocrine health over time.

Routine Medical Check-ups and Screening

Routine checkups and screenings can save you from years of pain and suffering.

People at higher risk—due to family history, obesity, chronic stress, autoimmune issues, or pollutant exposure—should get checked regularly. Early detection helps prevent complications and supports long-term hormone health.

However, even people in the "low-risk" category should get screened at least once every one to three years. Early detection and treatment of endocrine problems can prevent them from becoming widespread or having a long-term impact on your health and bodily functions.

Stress Management and Mindfulness

Stress is one of the most common contributors to endocrine problems.

While it’s not the primary cause, stress can exacerbate existing issues or negatively impact your delicate endocrine balance by flooding your body with cortisol. Long-term chronic stress can raise your risk of developing more serious conditions or reduce your body’s sensitivity to critical hormones.

Managing your stress is absolutely essential for maintaining a healthy endocrine balance.

Try methods like:

• Walking in nature, which is a known stress-reliever and can improve your mood significantly.
• Taking time off to relax, rest, and get a few extra hours of sleep every once in a while.
• Meditation and practicing mindfulness, which has been thoroughly proven by scientific research [2] to lower cortisol levels and protect the body against the negative impact of stress hormones.
• Finding more ways to relax, such as listening to music, reading a book, going for a walk, sitting out in nature, taking a nap, doing puzzles, or playing games.

A small amount of prevention and active management now can save you from a whole lot of health problems that are far more likely to develop if you let stress persist for weeks, months, or years.

Conclusion

As you’ve seen above, your endocrine system plays a critical role in your health—everything from your growth to your sexual development, from your metabolism to your reproductive and sexual function.

Like any internal system, it can malfunction, especially when risk factors are at play. Genetics, autoimmune conditions, poor lifestyle habits, environmental exposure, and modern toxins all raise the chances of disease.

But it’s important that you understand that small steps to actively combat endocrine problems can have massive positive repercussions.

By improving daily habits, managing stress, avoiding endocrine disruptors, and keeping up with regular checkups, you can spot symptoms early. This helps prevent minor issues from turning into long-term health problems.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common endocrine system disorder seen in older adults?

One of the most common endocrine system disorders among older adults is primary hyperparathyroidism [3], or excessive production and secretion of parathyroid hormone. It’s often caused by tumors or adenomas (benign tumors) forming on the parathyroid glands in the neck. It can lead to high levels of calcium in your bloodstream (hypercalcemia) and may cause symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, depression, memory loss, lethargy, and bone or joint pain.

What endocrine disorder causes fatigue?

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of endocrine disorders. It can be caused by hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, diabetes, growth hormone deficiency, Addison’s disease (also called "adrenal insufficiency"), Cushing’s syndrome, Turner syndrome, and others.

What endocrine disorders cause weight gain?

PCOS, diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s syndrome, growth hormone deficiency, and hypogonadism can all cause weight gain.

What are the glands of the endocrine system?

Your endocrine system consists of eight major glands: the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, adrenal glands, pineal gland, pancreas, and the sex glands—ovaries in females and testes in males. These glands are located throughout the body and work together to produce and release hormones that regulate vital functions like growth, metabolism, mood, and reproduction.

Resources

Endocrine Disorders

Endocrine Diseases

Endocrine Disorders

Endocrine System

What to know about endocrine disorders

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